killerBunny wrote:
Avoidance strategy works in the short term. Yes we are more sensitive but these tools can make the issue worse in the long term.
It isnt that I'm against the concept. I just think that you have to understand that your starting point may be different from neurotypical norms but you can adapt. You can always get better at having uncomfortable situations and you can get worse. Avoidance is useful for short term relief but you should be cognizant of the long term impact.
I agree to a point. My noise sensitivity got worse when I wore my noise-cancelling headphones almost 24/7. It was necessary though, because I had horrible living conditions at the time, as it got better it was easier to be without them. But I think it's a good tool to have always with you just in case and especially if you have to work or go to school and out of the house. I currently do not as I am recovering from burnout so I have it a bit easier; I can choose more quiet times to go out.
I take days off using headphones completely when I have better days. In my opinion they are good to time on days when other senses aren't much annoyed (so for me that would be cloudy days and days when my skin sensitivity is at a low and I have slept well for example) and when there's time and space to recover if you accidentally get a bit overwhelmed.
I have the Sony WH-1000XM2 and I do love them but I have snapped both of the arms so they are now glued and taped together and kind of wonky and not comfortable to wear anymore so I need to save up for a new pair. I think I will next buy the WH-1000XM3 2nd hand since I can't really swing for the WH-1000XM4. The Siri feature is pretty annoying but otherwise they are very comfortable and I especially enjoy the ambient mode which can help with adjusting to outside sounds because surprising and loud noices all go through the filter but you can still hear traffic and so on so its safe to wear outside.